Circle of Friends Raises Nearly $550,000 to Support Kidspace Children’s Museum at Annual Benefit – Breaks Fundraising Record!

Circle of Friends let the good times roll at its Bourbon St. Ball Benefit for Kidspace Children’s Museum raising nearly $550,000 – an all-time fundraising record for this annual event! The philanthropy organization transformed the iconic Santa Anita Park into the Big Easy on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, welcoming costumed guests with New Orleans flair, live and silent auctions, dinner and dancing. Funds raised from the Benefit support Kidspace’s access programs and expand the opportunity for all children and families in our community to play and learn with curiosity, creativity and resilience.

Around 350 guests dressed the part, with costumes ranging from elaborate Mardi Gras masquerade to comical alligators and beloved Louisiana Hot Sauce bottles. The evening featured moving remarks from Circle of Friends President Jess Cavic, Kidspace Children’s Museum Chief Executive Officer Lisa Clements, and Kidspace Board Vice President Tricia Fink, whose words inspired spirited bidding throughout the night. Members of the Circle of Friends Executive Board and the Kidspace Board of Directors joined community supporters for an unforgettable evening of generosity and celebration.

“We are deeply grateful to our generous guests and Circle of Friends members who poured so much time and heart into making this year’s Benefit extraordinary,” said Jess Cavic, President of Circle of Friends. “Thanks to their support, we had an extremely successful night, and everyone had a great time! We are so proud of everyone’s ongoing commitment to Kidspace, helping spark imagination and joy for generations of children in our community.”

Since 1991, Circle of Friends’ fundraising efforts have played a vital role in supporting Kidspace’s access programs. These programs include monthly Free Family Nights, camp scholarships, discounted admission for veterans and their families, Title 1 school field trips, discounted admission for families with EBT cards, and virtual learning classes for LAUSD students. Circle’s fundraising and volunteer commitments support Kidspace’s “Birthday Palooza,” a spectacular celebration for hundreds of deserving children in the LA foster care system. This special event reunites siblings living in separate foster homes to celebrate their birthdays as brothers and sisters. Benefit donations also support special events hosted at the museum, providing a much-needed reprieve from medical treatments and hospital visits and healing play for families affected by the 2025 LA Fires.

Kidspace is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Circle of Friends’ purpose is strictly charitable and consists of approximately 100 women from Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, La Cañada Flintridge, South Pasadena, Glendale and the surrounding communities. For more information about Circle of Friends, visit www.kidspacecircleoffriends.org and follow on Instagram at @kidspace_circleoffriends.